Craps Repeater Bets

With repeater bets, you're betting a specific number hits multiple times before someone rolls a 7. This side bet plays out while the main game keeps going. Hit the toughest completions and you're looking at payouts around 175:1.

The catch? House edges run steep, often exceeding 15%. We'll walk through how these bets actually work, what you can win on each number, and if that surrender option is worth using.

What is a repeater bet in craps?

You pick a number, then bet it'll hit a certain number of times before a 7 shows up. Pass line bets? They're done in a roll or two. Repeaters can run the whole length of a shooter's turn, tracking your number across dozens of rolls.

You'll find repeater bets in a separate section of the craps layout, away from the main betting areas. These bets work separately from everything else you've got on the table. You can run a repeater while still playing your regular game. Think of it as a side quest running parallel to the main action.

The draw? Those payouts can get ridiculous. Hit a tough number enough times before that 7 kills it, and you're talking 150:1 or better. The trade-off? The house edge? Way steeper than what you're used to on regular craps bets.

How craps repeater bets work

Once you see it in action, it clicks pretty quickly. Here's the sequence from start to finish:

• Choose a number: Pick any value from 2 to 12, except 7. Some tables also offer "Any Craps" (2, 3, or 12 combined) as an option.
• Place your wager: Put your chips on the repeater section of the layout, directly on your chosen number.
• Roll and repeat: The shooter keeps rolling. Every time your number hits, it counts toward your target.
• Win or lose: Hit the required number of repeats before a 7 rolls, and you collect. If a 7 comes first, the bet ends and you lose.

The 7 acts as the "killer" for all repeater bets on the table. One 7 kills every repeater on the table. Doesn't matter if you were one roll away from cashing.

Repeater bet numbers and required repeats

Each number needs a different number of repeats. It's based on probability. Numbers that show up more often? You need more repeats. Rare numbers need fewer hits.

You can roll a 6 five different ways (1-5, 2-4, 3-3), which is why the casino wants six repeats before paying. Meanwhile, a 12 only appears one way (double sixes), so just two repeats will do.

Don't let the lower repeat count fool you, though. Rolling a 12 twice before a 7 shows up is still difficult. The 7 has six combinations, so it shows up more than anything else.

Craps repeater bet payouts

Tougher completions pay more. The harder it is to complete, the bigger the payout.

Payouts change depending on where you play. Some casinos pay better on specific numbers. Always check the table before throwing chips down.

The 150:1 payouts on the 2 or 12 look attractive on paper. Getting two 12s before a 7 shows? Doesn't happen much. The 6 or 8 pays less, but you'll actually complete it. That's why most repeater players stick with those.

House edge on repeater bets

Here's where the math gets real. The house edge sits between 10% and 20%, sometimes higher depending on the number and where you're playing.

For comparison, a standard pass line bet has a house edge of around 1.41%. That's a significant gap compared to most table games.

Why so high? Big payouts mean bigger house edges. That's just how side bets work. The casino isn't offering 150:1 payouts out of generosity. The casino charges that premium because most repeaters die before completing.

Look, repeater bets aren't trash just because the edge is high. They're for fun, not serious strategy. Most people who play repeaters keep it small compared to their main bets.

How the surrender option works

Some tables let you surrender and cash out before your repeater finishes. Not every casino has it. When they do, you've got choices to make.

Surrender lets you grab some money back instead of risking it all on the next roll. Partway there and want to take something? Surrender's your option.

When you can surrender

You can't surrender right away. You need to make some progress first. Say you bet the 6 and it's hit three times out of six. You can bail and grab part of what you'd win.

Can't surrender right after betting. Nothing to cash out if your number hasn't hit.

Surrender values by bet

What you get back depends on your progress:

• More progress: Four out of six on a 6? You'll get more back because you're almost there.
• Less progress: Only one hit? You're getting almost nothing back.

Casinos calculate surrender values by looking at your odds of completing versus hitting a 7. Most tables show surrender values. If not, ask the dealer.

Repeater bet strategy

Let's be clear: no strategy beats the house edge here. But you can still play smarter.

1. Focus on lower house edge numbers

The 6 and 8 have the best house edge of the repeater bets. The 2 and 12 pay big, but the house edge goes over 20%.

Playing repeaters a lot? Stick with the 6 or 8 for better odds. You win less, but you'll actually complete them.

2. Know when to surrender

Got surrender? Don't just use it randomly. One repeat from a huge payout with good surrender value? That's when it gets real.

Think about what you can afford to lose. Sometimes you grab the sure money instead of sweating another roll. One 7 kills everything anyway.

3. Set a side bet budget

Keep repeaters small compared to your craps main bets. Set aside some cash just for side bets. Don't let repeaters drain your main stack.

Most people? They take a small chunk of their session money and use that for repeaters. Once it's gone, you're done.

Are craps repeater bets worth it

Depends what you want from craps.

Want the best odds? Stick to the pass line with odds. Repeaters aren't for people trying to minimize the house edge.

You like the extra action? Watching your number build and maybe hitting big? Repeaters do that. Each roll builds tension as you get closer to cashing.

Bottom line? Repeaters are for fun, not profit. They make sessions more exciting, and when they hit, you remember it. Don't expect to make money long-term.

You'll find repeater-style side bets at some crypto craps tables. Not everywhere, though. Works the same, but games move faster and payouts hit instantly.